Core Insights - YouTube was acquired by Google in 2006 for $1.65 billion, and its valuation has since skyrocketed to $550 billion, representing a growth of 333 times [1][4] - The founders of YouTube, Chad Hurley and Steven Chen, received stock worth over $650 million from the acquisition, with Hurley alone receiving approximately $345 million [1][3] - YouTube's revenue reached about $54.2 billion last year, and it is projected to surpass Disney this year, becoming the highest-grossing media company globally [4] Company Growth and Valuation - YouTube's initial perception as a simple video-sharing platform has transformed into a dominant media entity, creating a multi-billion dollar creator economy [3][4] - The acquisition price of YouTube is now seen as a fraction of its current valuation, highlighting the significant growth potential that was underestimated at the time of sale [4] - If the founders had retained their shares, they could potentially have earned over $100 billion each based on current valuations [4] Comparisons with Other Companies - Similar stories of significant growth post-acquisition are noted, such as Ronald Wayne's early exit from Apple, which could have resulted in a stake worth between $75 billion to $300 billion today [5] - The growth of Chef Boyardee, sold for $6 million in 1946, which later sold for $600 million, illustrates the potential for exponential growth in various industries [6] Strategic Considerations for Founders - Founders face the dilemma of whether to sell early and forfeit future earnings or to hold on and risk not realizing the company's full potential [8]